The New Orleans Saints are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders for their home opener of the 2026 season. During the game, there will be some key matchups to watch that could be deciding factors throughout.
The Saints learned the value of individual efforts early this season with players like quarterback Tyler Shough, edge rusher Chase Young, wide receiver Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson, who are among those that have contributed game-altering plays and key moments.
Some of them will be met with some important matchups that they must win in order to propel the Saints to a 2-1 start. But the biggest matchup is in the trenches.
Saints OL Taliese Fuaga and Asim Richards vs. Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby
The Saints will be without starting left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. for the foreseeable future, as he is set to undergo surgery after suffering an ankle injury Week 2. With that, backup offensive lineman Asim Richards will be called into action.
Richards has held up well for the Saints before, however, getting his first start of the season against Raiders’ edge rusher Maxx Crosby isn’t exactly the most fortunate draw. He won’t be the only Saints tackle to see the challenge of Crosby, however. Right tackle Taliese Fuaga will see his fair share of work against the stellar defender as well.
Per Next Gen Stats, Crosby has generated 11 pressures on the season and a pair of sacks. The Saints would love to keep him away from Shough for 60 minutes. In order to do so, winning the matchups with Crosby are vital.
Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Raiders CBs Hezekiah Masses and Eric Stokes
Like Crosby, Saints wideout Chris Olave will move around and therefore command a number of different matchups. The coverages he will draw on the perimeter will be key.
Cornerback Eric Stokes, a former first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers and Hezekiah Masses, a rookie corner, are likely to be handling most of the work on the outside. Olave should be able win either matchup, and must do so consistently in order to continue the incredible start he’s had to the year.
Saints LB Kaden Elliss vs. Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty
The Saints’ gauntlet of running back opponents continues with 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty. The explosive back, who can also contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, poses the biggest offensive threat for the Raiders while tight end Brock Bowers continues his recovery.
The Saints’ best chess piece against the run so far this year has been linebacker Kaden Elliss. He leads the New Orleans defense in tackles in the run game resulting in a loss or no gain. He was key in limiting Baltimore’s running back Derrick Henry on certain plays because of his ability to shoot the gap, pursue quickly and wrap up Henry before he could build up momentum. The same will be necessary in stopping Jeanty.
